After just one night at the UAACC, we departed for a 2 day stay in a Maasai village. We drove a long while through desolate terrain and arrived in even more desolate terrain. We settled into our tents and were introduced to the village by elder Ngongoi (sp?).
He led us on a hike through the desert and pointed out the native trees and bushes common in Maasai traditional medicine. Maasailand was riddled with acacia bushes—viciously thorny shrubs and trees that grab hold when you let your guard down. Ouch.
We were exhausted, burnt, and scratched when we made it to our first destination: a “boma”, the word for a Maasai family’s settlement. Each boma is circular and surrounded by acacia bushes to ward of predators. After learning about the houses at one boma, we headed for another.
And at this boma… we drank traditional chai. Not the ideal drink after our journey through the desert. Regardless, I gave the drink a try even after watching our hosts strain the twigs and leaves out of it. It tasted…like twigs. Oh well, still a cool experience.
That night, we had a Q & A session with the village elders about their culture. After they broke into their traditional aloe drink (which smelled like deadly tequila) they asked us questions as well.
Personal favorite?
“At what age do men in your culture become elders?”
Our response: “umm…65?”
Hey Jenae. Good luck with your independent study. I realize you wont receive this for quite awhile, but so will have a note waiting for you when you get back to having internet service. Wow, only a little over a month til your mom and Haley are there to see you and then you will be heading home. What an awesome experience you have had!! Things here in G'burg are going well. It is a bit cold and windy today, but not bad for November 4th. Kirstie just said this morning she wishes Halloween wasn't over---she was a pink pirate this year. Had a great time trick or treating. She tries to be something scary every year, but just can't seem to do it. The Battler volleyball girls lost last night and football team lost on Monday so done with the fall sports seasons here and onto winter seasons I guess. Austin has 2 footballgames left. Tomorrow in Missouri and then last one in Aberdeen next weekend. Well take care my dear--hope this last month goes really well for you. Love you lots!! and miss you!! Bridget
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